Single-incision laparoscopic repair for an arcuate line hernia: a case report

BACKGROUND: The arcuate line is the inferior margin of the posterior layer of rectus abdominis sheath. An arcuate line hernia is a parietal interstitial hernia consisting of ascending protrusion of intraperitoneal contents above the arcuate line. Arcuate line hernias are rare, and fewer than 20 cases undergoing surgical repair have been reported. Various surgical approaches were used in previous cases, and there is no consensus regarding the ideal repair method. We report the first case of an arcuate line hernia repaired using single-incision laparoscopic surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 78-year-old man who presented with a history of intermittent lower abdominal quadrant pain of more than 2 month’s duration. He had not previously undergone abdominal surgery, but had a history of mycobacterial lung disease and asthma. His vital signs were normal on presentation, and he experienced no vomiting or nausea. On palpation, his abdomen was flat and soft, and no mass was palpable. However, there was slight tenderness in the right lower quadrant. Blood laboratory test results were within normal ranges. Computed tomography revealed small bowel protrusion between the rectus abdominis and the posterior rectus sheath, and an arcuate line hernia was suspected and subsequently confirmed intraoperatively. The patient underwent single-incision laparoscopic repair with the intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique with tacks and with care to avoid the inferior epigastric vessels. The operation time was 30 min, and no intra- or post-operative complications occurred. Surgery relieved his symptoms, with no recurrence within 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery was performed easily and successfully in this rare patient with arcuate line hernia. Arcuate line hernia should be considered in patients presenting with abdominal symptoms, and single-incision laparoscopic repair should be considered for repair.